Update by: Amanda Hancock, Regional Strategic Infrastructure Coordinator
Work is continuing on developing an implementation plan to deliver the action identified in our Regional Resource Recovery (RRR) Plan, with participating councils recently nominating a representative to the Regional Waste Management Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the RWMP Advisory Committee (RWMP AC) is to guide and support FNQROC member Councils in achieving a smooth and effective implementation of their respective share of actions as identified in the RRR Plan.
The RWMP AC will guide the implementation of individual and collaborative actions identified in the RRR Plan by the respective Councils to ensure the FNQROC region is progressing towards contributing to achieving state and national obligations around resource recovery targets.
The purpose of the RWMP AC is, therefore, to:
- Identify emerging issues of strategic importance that will impact member Councils;
- Guide the RWMP Technical Committee (RWMP TC)
- Provide advice to the FNQROC Executive regarding the implementation of the RRR Plan and
- Make recommendations on strategic priorities in relation to the RRR Plan to the FNQROC Board
I attended the recent Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee (LAWMAC), albeit virtually due to some unexpected weather issues (thanks, Qantas!), where I presented a brief overview of our Plan along with the Regional Waste Management Plan Coordinators from North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC, Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) and Fraser Coast region. Interestingly, many of the challenges we face, regulatory uncertainty, the tyranny of distance and the need for education and behaviour change, are consistent across the regions.
So that’s a wrap for 2024. All that there is left for me to say is thank you to all Council and industry representatives, suppliers, industry representatives and colleagues across all levels of government for your hard work and support this year, without whom we would not be able to do what we do. Enjoy a safe and restful Christmas, and I look forward to working with you all again in 2025.
Update by: Bhakti Devi, Regional Waste Management Plan Coordinator
Regional Waste Management Planning & Implementation - December 2024
Since joining the team in late September 2024, I have hit the ground running. FNQROC convened the first Technical Committee meeting for the member Councils to deliberate on the Regional Governance arrangements and the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Technical Committee and Advisory Committee. These Committees will be formed to facilitate the implementation of the Regional Waste Management Plan.
Waste Management & Resource Recovery (WMRR) Annual Conference in Adelaide
The timing of the WMRR Annual Conference in October in Adelaide could not have been better as it was an excellent opportunity for me learn from the national and Queensland-based stakeholders and thought leaders about the state of play in waste management and resource recovery space.
Touring the FNQROC Region’s Waste Facilities
I have been actively immersing myself in the region by visiting the waste facilities of the member councils. These visits have provided me with a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by remote and regional Councils, gaining insights into the difficulties posed by the long distances their waste collection and disposal must navigate. This experience has deepened my empathy and understanding of the diverse and similar challenges faced by each of the member Councils in dealing with the nature and quantity of various waste streams that have the potential for recovery.
To date, I have visited the waste facilities of the following member Councils – Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cooktown, Croydon, Douglas, Etheridge, Hope Vale, Mareeba and Tablelands.